ABC Action News debuts technology-driven set

Tampa’s ABC Action News, WFTS-TV, debuted its expansive new studio Wednesday, which features a multitude of technology and an expanded weather center.

The set, from Devlin Design Group, is built around a standing anchor desk fronted by a monitor. Graphics circle the desk on the floor, branching out and connecting the various parts of the scenic design, including a standup area, weather center and video wall.

Aesthetically, the set mixes faux stonework, wood paneling, frosted panels and a floating grey header/footer with backlit color-changing graphics, allowing different looks for each newscast.

Behind the anchor desk, a 5×3 video wall with two smaller monitors form the main background, while also providing various standup options.

Five touchscreens are present on the set, which WFTS-TV will utilize for its fast paced 4 p.m. newscast,”The Now Tampa Bay,” allowing talent to interact with graphics, social streams and maps.

From the production side, the studio includes seven cameras, including on mounted on rails.